Dec 10, 2020 at 08:43 AM Copied! The Houston Texans announced today Michael Thomas as its nominee for the WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD. Considered the league's most prestigious honor, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. Each of the league's 32 nominees were announced today. A Houston native, Michael Thomas has always been on the forefront of social justice initiatives; this year has been no different. The nine-year NFL veteran has exceled in his return to his hometown in 2020. Thomas' approach has been two-fold, centering on advocacy and education while driving legislative change in the community. Prior to Week 1, he created the unique design of the NFLPA's "END RACISM" pre-game warm-ups that have been worn by the 1,696 players across the NFL. After the death of George Floyd, Thomas organized a Texans players-only video calling for social justice reform and he was also featured in the NFL's "Say Their Stories" video to highlight the death of Philando Castile.